Out of the past 2/1/11

25 years ago: Feb. 1, 1986

"Young Adult Night" at Rumors Inc., 26 N. Main St., has become so popular that the management is planning to open a separate and permanent young adult nightclub in Cape Girardeau; although plans are incomplete, it is thought the club will also be located downtown.

The Cow Belle, located on U.S. 61 North in Jackson and owned by Ken and Barbara Martin, has expanded, adding a new room to provide indoor seating; the business will continue to offer curb service as well.

50 years ago: Feb. 1, 1961

John D. Dux of Sikeston, Mo., receiver of the privately owned Federal Grain Co. operator of elevators in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, orders the books of the company delivered to his office where they will be audited; there are reports that the company has unpaid checks outstanding totaling $235,000 and accounts payable of more than $300,000 with a bank balance of 28 cents.

The massive chunk of ice that blocked the Mississippi River the past five days south of Cape Girardeau moved out during the night, and boats and their tows have resumed their interrupted journeys; but with the clearing of the ice comes another problem -- low water and a changed channel that forces slow going for vessels.

75 years ago: Feb. 1, 1936

Contractor Edward L. Markham says construction of the sanitary sewer in the West End may be started within two weeks; the project will employ on an average from 25 to 100 men for a period of three months.

Fire swept the Henry Unnerstall residence at 550 S. Sprigg St. yesterday, practically destroying the residence and most of its contents; a large crowd gathered in near-zero weather to watch firemen fight the blaze.

100 years ago: Feb. 1, 1911

Workers from the Cape Girardeau & Thebes Terminal Railroad are filling in with dirt and ballast around the piling and trestle work used in crossing the government levee below Cape Girardeau.

The Capaha Arrow, the official newspaper of the Cape Girardeau Normal School student body, is being issued; the first number is a fine one, reflecting great credit on editors and contributors.

-- Sharon K. Sanders